Aretha Franklin Dead at 76: How Well Did You Know Her?

Aretha Franklin, dubbed the “Queen of Soul” was one of the best selling female artists of all time and had an expansive discography. How much do you know about her?

Born in 1942, Aretha Franklin began her singing career during her childhood as 12 in Detroit at the New Bethel Baptist Church. Shortly after the death of her mother, she begun singing gospel solos and with the help of her father, an influential preacher, was signed first to J.V.B Records where she made her first recordings at age 14. At 18, she expressed interest in pursuing a pop career and was signed to Columbia Records. She achieved only moderate success through the early 60’s for Columbia before signing with Atlantic records in 1967, where she was able to break out as a star.

Aretha became one of the biggest international stars in pop by the late 60’s. The release of “Respect” in 1967 helped her become a symbol for African America for civil rights and feminism. In 1987 she was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and with a musical career spanning over 60 years she leaves behind a legacy as one of the most influential female artists of all time.

After experiencing health problems from 2010, she cancelled concerts in the last few years, and on August 16, died at home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Aretha Franklin, dubbed the "Queen of Soul.

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Where did Aretha Franklin grow up?

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942. Her family moved to Detroit when she 5 years old. Her mother, an accomplished pianist and vocalist died when she was 9, and her music career begun when she sung gospel at the New Bethel Baptist Church. She moved to New York at 18, to pursue her music career.

How tall was Aretha Franklin?

Aretha Franklin was 1.65m or 5 foot 4

Was Aretha Franklin married?

She was married twice. She first became married at 19 to a man named Theodore “Ted” White. That marriage to her husband lasted 8 years and involved domestic violence, before ending in divorce.

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Was Aretha Franklin close with her family?

She overcame a troubled upbringing,which included having 2 children before the age of 15, first becoming pregnant at the age of 12, before moving to New York to pursue her career.

Did Aretha Franklin have children?

Yes, Aretha Franklin had 4 children. Siblings Ted White Jr, Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin and Edward Franklin. She had Clarence and Edward at a very young age (13 and 14).

Where did Aretha Franklin live?

Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to C.L. Franklin, a pastor, and Barbara Siggers, a singer and pianist. The family soon shifted to Detroit, where Franklin’s father became a pastor at the New Bethel Baptist Church. There Franklin developed a passion for gospel singing.

The singer gave birth to her first child when she was just 12 to a local Detroit boy. By 15, she had two children to different fathers.

In New York, Franklin met Ted White, who would become her manager. They married in 1961 and had a son together, but they split in 1969.

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Did Aretha Franklin have any nicknames?

Dubbed the Queen of Soul, the 18-time Grammy winner is recognised as the greatest soul singer of all time.

How did Aretha Franklin die?

She died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

When did Aretha Franklin die?

She died on Aug 16 2018.

What genre of music did Aretha Franklin sing?

Dubbed the Queen of Soul, the 18-time Grammy winner is recognised as the greatest soul singer of all time. In 1987, she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her songs have become anthems for the US civil rights movement and for women throughout the world.

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What were Aretha Franklin’s most famous lyrics?

The singer’s version of “Respect”, written by Otis Redding, reached No. 1 on US charts. It hit No. 14 on the Australian charts—proof Franklin’s fame was stretching far beyond US borders. Importantly, the song, with its iconic R-E-S-P-E-C-T lyric, helped galvanise the US civil rights movement.

What were Aretha Franklin’s best duets?

The 1980s saw a career resurgence for Franklin. She appeared in the 1980 cult musical movie The Blues Brothers. Then, in 1985, her album Who’s Zoomin’ Who produced the smash hit “Freeway of Love”. A duet with George Michael, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” and one with the Eurythmics, “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” saw Franklin back on top of the charts.

Katherine DavisonKatherine is the Executive Editor (News & Features) for New Idea and WHO, and a real-life specialist with 17 years of experience in Australia and the UK.